The United Nurses Associations of California/Union of Health Care Professionals (UNAC/UHCP) has endorsed Measure PFD, joining Pasadena firefighters and paramedics in supporting the proposed parcel tax for fire and emergency services.
The endorsement announced Monday gives the campaign the backing of a union representing registered nurses and other health care workers. It follows an endorsement from the Pasadena Firefighters Association Local 809.
“When it comes to saving lives, nurses partner with firefighters and paramedics every day,” UNAC/UHCP President Charmaine Morales said. “That’s why we are proud to partner with firefighters and paramedics in supporting Yes on Pasadena Measure PFD.”
Morales said the measure would help keep Pasadena fire stations operating, increase the number of firefighters and paramedics and restrict revenue to emergency-response services.
Measure PFD, formally called the Pasadena 911 Firefighter/Paramedic Emergency Medical/Wildfire Preparedness/Response Measure, will appear on the Nov. 3 ballot.
If approved, it would impose an annual tax of 19 cents per square foot of improved property and generate an estimated $22.1 million annually. A 1,600-square-foot home would be assessed about $304 annually, or approximately $25.33 a month, according to the city.
The tax would apply to residential, commercial and other developed properties based on building square footage. Qualified low-income senior households would be eligible for an exemption.
Revenue could be used to maintain firefighter, paramedic and 911 response services; improve emergency-response equipment and communications systems; expand wildfire preparation and brush clearance; and construct or modernize fire facilities.
Projects identified by the city include earthquake retrofits or reconstruction of Fire Stations 33 and 37 and construction of a new fire station and firefighter-paramedic training center. The city estimates those three projects would collectively cost more than $100 million.
The tax would expire after 14 years and would not include an annual cost-of-living increase. Revenue would be restricted to local fire and emergency services, with independent audits and public disclosure of spending required, according to the city’s Measure PFD information page.
Because Measure PFD is a special tax dedicated to specific purposes, it requires approval from two-thirds of voters.
The firefighters association said increased emergency calls, aging stations and wildfire danger are straining the Fire Department’s ability to respond.
“Measure PFD will help ensure firefighters and paramedics can reach families quickly when emergencies strike and provide the lifesaving resources needed to protect Pasadena,” the union said.
The measure has also drawn opposition from property-owner groups. The Apartment Association of Greater Los Angeles has argued that the tax would place the cost of services used by residents, employees and visitors primarily on property owners. The Building Owners and Managers Association of Greater Los Angeles has also raised concerns about the financial burden on commercial property owners.
The City Council placed the measure on the ballot Aug. 3. Proponents have launched two online campaign advertisements, titled “Every Minute Counts” and “Protecting Pasadena,” featuring firefighters, paramedics and other supporters. Pasadena Now previously reported that the advertisements are scheduled to run on digital platforms across the city through the election.
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